15/03/2026
Are Storage Heaters Being Phased Out In The UK?🤔
If you’ve been wondering whether your storage heaters are still a smart choice, or if they’re even allowed anymore, you’re not the only one. Since energy prices are now on the rise, EPC rules are getting tighter, and talks of phasing out inefficient heating are heard left, right, and center, many people across the UK are asking the same question:
Are storage heaters being phased out?
If you’re wondering the same thing then you’re in the right place; we’re here to clear it up.
Are Storage Heaters Being Banned?
No. To put it bluntly, they’re not. But that doesn’t mean that they’re still a good, or safe, option.
While it isn’t illegal to own a storage heater, government policies are still shifting towards low-carbon and high-efficiency heating. And they’re shifting rapidly.
In 2018, the Lot 20 regulations came into force, which mandated that all electrical devices (including electric heaters) must comply with an enhanced set of safety standards.
Older models, especially those installed before 2000, fall short of these standards, and they’re becoming harder to justify in homes or rental properties. While you can still use them, they tend to be bulky, inefficient and becoming much more costly to run.
So no, they’re not banned. But many people are shifting from asking “Can I keep them?” to “Are they worth it?”
Why Are Storage Heaters Becoming Less Popular?
Storage heaters were introduced decades ago, and worked well for that era. However, today’s energy landscape is very different. Here are a handful of reasons why many homeowners and landlords are looking to upgrade:
Expensive to run: Storage heaters rely on Economy 7, meaning they charge overnight. Most homes use standard tariffs nowadays, meaning running costs are higher since storage heaters aren’t designed for modern tariffs.
Limited control: Due to storage heaters running on Economy 7 and charging overnight to release heat the following day, they aren’t adaptable to British weather. And we all know that British weather is unpredictable!
Wasted heat: Since storage heaters release heat during the day, and it’s usually evenings when heat is wanted and/or needed, supplementary electric heaters are many peoples’ solution. This means the heat you’ve payed for is wasted in the day (since it isn’t needed) and you’re paying extra in the evening to run inefficient heaters.
EPC performance: Poor-performing heaters drag EPC scores down, making homes harder to rent or sell. If you are having to use these extra units to stay comfortable on an evening, your EPC score could suffer.